Skip to content
site-logo

The Roaming Flamingo

Julia D'Orazio

  • About
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
      • Zanzibar
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • Indonesia
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
    • Australia
      • Melbourne
      • Perth
      • Sydney
      • Western Australia
    • Europe
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
      • United Kingdom
  • Topics
    • People Making Shizz Happen
    • Travel Tales
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Contact Me
  • About
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
      • Zanzibar
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • Indonesia
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
    • Australia
      • Melbourne
      • Perth
      • Sydney
      • Western Australia
    • Europe
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
      • United Kingdom
  • Topics
    • People Making Shizz Happen
    • Travel Tales
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Contact Me
An unorthodox view of Amsterdam
Europe

An unorthodox view of Amsterdam

05/08/201501/04/2024 Julia D'Orazio Leave a comment

Isn’t Amsterdam most famously known to be the ultimate adult playground of Europe and possibly the world?

Well maybe in some cases, yes, but there is more to Amsterdam than its’ notorious red lights, its hard-partying ways and its’ blazing green-friendly approach.

Amsterdam is a city that packs in a lot considering its size in comparison to the other major players’ of Europe – London, Paris, Berlin and the list can go on.

The way of life here is simplistic, transport wise so to speak. Bikes rule the roads, and it is easy to get around. If you were even to travel more than half an hour in Amsterdam, you would be well and truly out of the city. My native Dutch friend moans that a 20-minute commute to anywhere in Amsterdam is considered too far away. For me, its stock standard to anywhere I have lived, especially in Perth where I would consider a 20-minute ride a short journey!

So what can you do in Amsterdam besides letting your wild child inner ambitions come out?

Plenty! Outside of the skirts of Dam Square, the main hub of town where events occur and streets filled with shops and lively cafés are nearby; there is much to do. Of course, a must visit when in Amsterdam would be to check out the Anne Frank House however just a short stroll away from this iconic residence is the artistic neighbourhood of Joordan. The home for many independent designers, art stores and cutesy cafes this area goes beyond the canals and is worth exploring as there is an evident creative flair in its surrounds’ as well an overall relaxed vibe.

Venture out and catch a ferry to escape to the north where there are many unique places to check out such as Pllek, a popular hipster restaurant and bar housed in shipping containers.  With its’ beer garden nicely completed with a fake beach along the Amstel River, it provides the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the local beer Amstel (or a Heineken if you much prefer) and watch the river life pass you by.  Europe’s biggest flea market IJ Hallen is also held on this side of Amsterdam and is held on the last weekend of each month. This is a must if you are a lover of trinkets and vintage items.

To escape the bikes and the tame hustle and bustle life of the Dam, take a stroll through Vondelpark, the main central park of Amsterdam, which is perfect for people watching and roughly a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Museum Quarter (Museumplein) is a district not to be missed, especially for the opulent Rijksmuseum which is considered to be one of the world’s most breathtaking museums. After completing a 10-year restoration and renovation in April 2013, the 19th-century museum houses an international revered collection, and the building itself is one of the Netherlands’ most grandest. Museumplein is also home to the Van Gough Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, a must for any lover of the fine arts.

Experience Amsterdam likes a local and explore the up and coming hipster area of De Pijp. Soak up the chilled atmosphere with its’ many trendy dining and drinking joints on offer. Opt also to stroll through the daily street market De Albert Cuypmarkt which sells a variety of items including various street eats, local produce, clothes, flowers and various items. Luckily for you, if you are quite the beer drinker as the Heineken factory, home of the famed tourist trap the Heineken Experience, is located just steps away from this area.

The Netherlands is not usually known for its food besides cheese but worthy local tastes to try to include Kibbeling (lightly fried pieces of herring), a frikandel (The Netherlands’ answer to Germany’s Currywurst), bitterballen (croquette style potato balls that are dipped in a mustard sauce) and a stroopwafel (waffle type biscuits with a caramel filling). And lets’ also not forget the Dutch pancakes either!

The Dutch like to have a good time and festivals are a part of the Dutch way of life. Hosting more than 300 festivals a year, festivals range from many genres from art to food to sport. However, multiple music festivals held over one weekend are a standard fixture across the summer period. The djing and deep house culture are rife in The Netherlands, and if you are visiting over the summer, a dance at one of its many festivals is not to be missed.

So instead of thinking that Amsterdam is all about the shady red lights and blazing green, think orange (the national colour) and see Amsterdam in this new shade.

What unorthodox views of Amsterdam do you have? Share below!

King’s Day
King’s Day
Dutch buildings
Dutch buildings
Canal Life
Canal Life
amsterdam
Kim and I enjoying the high life
Canal Life
Canal Life
King’s Day
King’s Day
Beautiful Amsterdam
Beautiful Amsterdam
Bitterballen
Bitterballen
amsterdamDe Pijpeuropethe netherlands

Related Posts

Amsterdam nightlife tips you need to follow for a wild night out
Amsterdam nightlife tips you need to follow for a wild night out
Beyond the stroopwafel: Amsterdam’s multicultural flavours in Indische Buurt
Beyond the stroopwafel: Amsterdam’s multicultural flavours in Indische Buurt
What is it like to attend Eurovision in Ukraine
What is it like to attend Eurovision in Ukraine
Roaming around Rotterdam at night
Roaming around Rotterdam at night

Post navigation

Berghain Stories: Secret, sex-fuelled world of Berlin’s Berghain
Oh hello there!

Oh hello there!

Julia D’Orazio

Hola! I’m Julia D’Orazio - travel writer, walking Disney musical, Eurovision lover, thrifty spender and jumpsuit devotee all rolled into one sassy, adventurous being. I am a self-certified hustler of convincing people to get out of their comfort zones and to experience this great world ours because life is too short to sit in the corner. more

Looking for something?

Popular Posts

Africa ➤ 12/10/2018

Enter East Africa’s adventure capital, Jinja

If seeing lions or the rare silverback gorillas out in the wild didn’t give you enough of a fright to get your adrenaline running faster than Usain Bolt, then continue to be fearless by heading to East Africa’s adventure capital. 

Read More
Europe ➤ 05/08/2015

An unorthodox view of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Here I share with you how the city captivated my heart and my imagination.

Read More
People Making Shizz Happen ➤ 25/09/2018

Travel Blogger – Meet Katie McIntosh of The Katie Show Blog

The self-proclaimed queen of averages is far from average… I chat with everyday entrepreneur, travel blogger Katie of The Katie Show Blog on how she made shizz happen for herself to achieve her quest to live...

Read More
United Kingdom ➤ 16/01/2019

How to be a thrifty bitch by discovering the cheapest ways to live in London

Learn how you can be a thrifty bitch in one of the world's most expensive cities by discovering the cheapest ways to live in London.

Read More

Subscribe!

Subscribe your e-mail address and get to know about fresh stuff!

Search hotels and more...

Destination

Check-in date

Fri 30 May 2025

Check-out date

Sat 31 May 2025
Booking.com
  • Email
  • Disclaimer and policies
  • Press
© 2025 | Designed by Little Theme Shop
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT